Zelma Gae Bair

Zelma Gae Bair, 72, of New Philadelphia went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, February 11, 2003, at Aultman Hospital in Canton.Born September 10, 1930 in Roswell, OH, she was a daughter of the late George E. and Mary C. (Byers) Beans. After graduating from New Philadelphia High School in 1949, Zelma went on to marry the love of her life, Donald H. Bair, on October 20, and begin a family.Her greatest passion in life was caring for and spending time with her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. In addition to her family devotion, Zelma enjoyed reading and traveling. She also was an active member of St. John’s United Church of Christ in Dover.In addition to her husband, Zelma is survived by three daughters, Dondra (Paul) Rothel of Sugarcreek, Christy (Bill) Blackwell and Amy (Barry) Welch, both of New Philadelphia; one sister, Beverley (Bob) Pearch of Sherrodsville; two brothers, Marvin (Boots) Beans and Cleston (Rosemary) Beans, both of New Philadelphia; seven grandchildren, Chandra (Shawn) Miller of Sugarcreek, Ryan (Marci) Rothel of Sugarcreek, Carrie, Chas, and Chase Blackwell, all of New Philadelphia, and Dusty and Trevor Welch, both of New Philadelphia; four great-grandchildren, Tyler Snyder, Hunter and Summer Miller, and Tanner Rothel; and many nieces and nephews.In addition to her parents, Zelma was preceded in death by an infant sister.Visitation will be held Thursday, February 13, 2003, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory in New Philadelphia. A celebration of Zelma’s life will be held on Friday, February 14, at the funeral home beginning at 11 a.m. with Rev. Steven J. Daniels officiating, followed by burial at Evergreen Burial Park in New Philadelphia. A luncheon will follow the committal service at St. John’s United Church of Christ in Dover, 409 North Wooster Ave., Dover, OH, 44622. The family requests that memorial contributions be made to St. John’s United Church of Christ in Dover.